Carbon deposit around spark plug

Tiny
LOAD619
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 222,000 MILES
I recently was changing my spark plugs and wires, got all but one done. With the plug I was unable to get out, I was unable to get any grip or bite on the plug, upon investigation I discovered deposits, or dirt surrounding the hexagon for the socket to fit on to. Now I'm receiving a misfire from that spark plug and would like to know what can be done to clean the deposits from around the spark plug in order to get to the hexagon to try and take it out? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Friday, May 31st, 2019 AT 8:14 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

I am not sure what you have in the spark plug hole, but I doubt it's carbon deposits. It could be dirt or gunk or something. I would lean towards maybe some plastic or something along those lines. If it is dirt, crud, or something like that I would get a can of engine degreaser/cleaner, which is available at any auto parts store for around $5.00 and spray done in the spark plug hole and let it sit for ten to fifteen minutes. Don't worry about hurting the spark plug, I doubt it would anyway, because you are going to replace it anyway. Get a screwdriver, rag, or brush and get that out of the hole and from around the spark plug so your spark plug socket can get get down around the spark plug and get it out of there. Get back to us with how things are progressing, please.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Friday, May 31st, 2019 AT 9:18 AM
Tiny
LOAD619
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Okay, well I got a hanger, started chipping away at the dirt and/or rust. Was able to see the hexagon and got the socket on it and was able to remove the plug.

Thanks for your assistance, I'm greatly appreciative.
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Friday, May 31st, 2019 AT 2:28 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,541 POSTS
Glad you could get it fixed, that kind of problem can be tough. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
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Tuesday, June 4th, 2019 AT 12:12 PM
Tiny
ROJ0179
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2001 TOYOTA CAMRY
I have a 2001 Camry Le with a 4 cyl engine, and 95,500 miles. I have just changed the spark plugs and the wires, and the car was running great. However, the car has just started to accelerate and decelerate on its own. In other words, while idling, the car goes to 2000 RPM and then back to 1500 RPM and back up to 2000 RPM over and over. It seems that someone is pressing on the gas pedal and then releasing. What could it be?
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Tuesday, June 4th, 2019 AT 12:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check engine light is it On or has flashed?

The plugs and wires are they OEM parts?

Might want to clean out the throttle body/throttle plate could be binding also check the accelerator linkages.

Also clean out the idle air control valve-this the one suppose to maintain the idle at all times.
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Tuesday, June 4th, 2019 AT 12:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ROJ0179
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The check engine light is one, however, this has been on for a while, and they informed me that the EGR valve was bad. However, I get different opinions about what can be done. This was way before the current problem. The car seems to only have the problem when it is in park. When I put the car in gear (automatic), the car seems to idle fine and does not miss, however, when the car is place back in park, the car starts to go to 2000 and 1500 RPM over and over. Sparks plugs and wires are original and from the dealership. I will check the idle air control valve.
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Tuesday, June 4th, 2019 AT 12:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GREG DIEHM
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2001 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 87,000 MILES
When changing plugs, there was oil in one of the plugs,
quite a bit, not just a little burned on the spark plug wire housing
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Tuesday, June 4th, 2019 AT 12:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Sounds like it needs a new valve cover gasket. Dont forget to replace the seals that go around the plug wells, that is what is causing the oil. The big nuts around the plug wells are what holds the valve cover down
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Tuesday, June 4th, 2019 AT 12:12 PM (Merged)

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